Maharashtra schools to administer pollution-free Diwali pledge to students
The initiative follows a Bombay High Court order regarding noise and environmental pollution concerns during the festival.
Schools and junior colleges throughout Maharashtra will lead students in a pledge to avoid bursting firecrackers, according to a report by Urban Acres.
The move comes after the Bombay High Court issued an order on October 15, 2026, regarding a suo motu public interest petition concerning noise and environmental pollution.
Following this, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board wrote to education authorities on October 22, leading the Directorate of Education to issue state-wide instructions.
Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Director Dr Mahesh Palkar issued the directions, which require regional officials to inform headmasters and principals in their jurisdictions.
Students are encouraged to persuade family and friends to avoid firecrackers and to commit to celebrating all festivals without causing pollution.
The authorities noted that air and noise pollution from crackers affects young children, senior citizens, patients, birds, and animals.